Super Eagles Captain Calls for Better Travel Conditions
Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has spoken out about the team’s frustrating ordeal at a Libyan airport, where they were left stranded for hours.
In a strong statement, Troost-Ekong expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation, emphasizing that the team should not be subjected to such poor travel conditions.
He reportedly said, “We will not play this game,” highlighting the team’s frustration and the impact the ordeal had on their preparation and morale.
The Super Eagles had been left waiting at the airport without access to proper food, Wi-Fi, or sleeping arrangements for nearly 13 hours.
This led to growing concerns about the logistics and planning around the team’s travel arrangements. Troost-Ekong’s statement reflects the team’s disappointment and suggests that such incidents could affect their readiness for matches if not addressed properly.
This situation has drawn attention from fans and the media, with calls for better organization and support for the national team to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
The captain’s bold stance underscores the need for the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to prioritize the welfare and comfort of the players, particularly during international engagements.
ead the full statement below:
12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Lybia after our plane was diverted whilst descending. Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games.
I’ve experienced stuff before playing away in Africa but this is disgraceful behaviour. Even the Tunisian Pilot who thankfully managed to navigate the last minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land had never seen something like this before.
Upon arrival he tried to find a nearby airport to rest with his crew to be denied at every hotel again under Government instruction. He could sleep there but NO NIGERIAN crew members allowed. They have returned to now sleep on the plane which is parked up.
At this point we have called for our Nigerian Government to intervene and rescue us. As the captain together with the team we have decided that we will NOT play this game. CAF should look at the report and what is happening here. Even if they decide to allow
This kind of behaviour, let them have the points. We will not accept to travel anywhere by road here even with security it’s not safe. We can only imagine what the hotel or food would be like given to us IF we continued.
We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen but these things on purpose have nothing to do with int. football.
